01 / 01
Section 1
[Tea · Dating safety] Netflix has announced a new entry in its "Untold" sports documentary series, and this one is less about football than about dating apps. "Untold: Wide Deceiver" tells the story of a man accused of pretending to be an NFL player to win women's trust, and their money.
Everything below is an allegation. The man at the center of the case has pleaded not guilty and has not been convicted.
What the case is about According to the X news summary of the announcement, Daejon Love, 35, allegedly posed as a San Francisco 49ers player and tricked more than two dozen women out of a combined $1.3 million. Prosecutors allege he used fake dating profiles, staged football videos and phony investment pitches.
Love was arrested in Boise, Idaho, on August 24, 2026, and faces federal wire fraud charges. He has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is set for December 15.
What the documentary focuses on The film, produced by Propagate and Stardust Frames for Netflix, centers on firsthand accounts from the women who say they were targeted. The case had already picked up a viral nickname online. The documentary's stated aim is to shift attention to the real harm behind the joke.
Why "fake athlete" scams work Romance scammers borrow status because it explains away the red flags. A pro athlete is "always traveling," can't video-call because of "team rules," and has a reason to keep the relationship secret. Each excuse sounds believable alone. Together, they keep the victim from ever checking.
Red flags to watch for - They can't, or won't, meet in person or do a live video call, and there's always a new reason why. - The relationship moves fast: big feelings, future plans and pet names within days. - Money enters the conversation, often as an "investment," a business opportunity, a temporary emergency or a fee to unlock their own funds. - Their story only exists on their own channels. You can't confirm it anywhere else, like a team roster, official press, or mutual friends. - They ask you to keep things secret from friends and family.
How to check Reverse-search their photos. Look for the person on official team or league sites, not just on social media. Ask for a live video call at a time you choose. And never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you haven't met in person, however good the story.
If it's happening to you Stop sending money. Save every message, profile link and transaction record. Report the profile to the dating app and contact your bank. In the US you can report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the FTC. Elsewhere, contact local police. Being targeted is not a sign that you're naive. These schemes are built by people who do it for a living.
We'll update this story after the December trial.